The simplicity of pencil and
paper works with Vanessa's busy schedule as she needs something she can just walk
away from and pick up at any time. There is something about realism, a moment in time, achieving that depth
of character with just pencil and paper that is so worth the hours of
effort. An artist from South
Huron, Vanessa loves all media: anything she can experiment with, but her main
focus is graphite.
Primarily self-taught,
Vanessa has gleaned information, techniques and her own personal style from a
wide array of books, how-to videos and fellow artisans. In recent years she has
volunteered for art projects, participated in a youth art program, and completed
many commissioned art pieces.
Currently, she is employed at a greenhouse and vegetable farm where she
can nurture her love for horticulture and outdoor work.
Vanessa's goal as an artist is to
connect people on a personal level with her drawings. As far as a career,
Vanessa doesn’t see herself going in to art full time; it was never something
she considers a possibility, but who knows!
The “Enduring Love” drawing
is a very nice piece. Vanessa
wanted something with depth and softness, and Tony Stromberg’s photo of the two
horses seemed to be the perfect fit.
She started working with horses at a young age. There have been many
struggles and tears along the way, but ultimately, what still takes her breath
away is the raw beauty and spirit of these graceful equines. When she bonds
with a horse, they share their freedom, and she sees the quietness and trust in
her eyes; to her, this encapsulates all things bright and beautiful.
